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CRED 14.7 Waiver and modification of rules

Application and purpose

CRED 14.7.1G

This section and SUP 8 apply to all credit unions that wish to apply for, or to consent to, or have been given a modification of or waiver of the FSA's rules.

CRED 14.7.2G

This section is a summary of SUP 8, and explains how the regime for the waiver or modification of rules works.


CRED 14.7.3G

The FSA may, on the application or with the consent of a credit union, direct that certain rules:

  1. (1)

    are not to apply to the credit union; or

  2. (2)

    are to apply to the credit union with such modifications as may be specified.

CRED 14.7.4G

SUP 8.2.7 includes a table of the types of rules which may be waived and Schedule 6 identifies those rules in CRED that can be waived.

Applying for a waiver

CRED 14.7.5G

SUP 8.3.1 states that the FSA may not give a waiver unless it is satisfied that:

  1. (1)


  2. (2)


CRED 14.7.6G

SUP 8.3.3 states that if a credit union wishes to apply for a waiver, it must do so to its usual supervisory contact at the FSA using the form in SUP 8 Annex 2 (Application for a waiver or modification).

  1. (1)


  2. (2)


  3. (3)


  4. (4)


  5. (5)


  6. (6)


  7. (7)


CRED 14.7.7G

The FSA will acknowledge applications and seek to reply within 20 working days, though this may take longer if further information is required.

CRED 14.7.8G

The FSA may impose conditions on a waiver including extra reporting requirements.

CRED 14.7.9G

If the FSA decides against the waiver, it will give its reasons.

CRED 14.7.10G

If the FSA considers that the waiver should apply to a number of credit unions, it will inform them that the waiver is available. To take advantage of the waiver, they will only have to give their written consent rather than making a formal application.

Notification of altered circumstances relating to waivers

CRED 14.7.11G

SUP 8.5.10R states that if a credit union becomes aware that a waiver is no longer relevant or appropriate, it must notify the FSA immediately.

Publication of waivers

CRED 14.7.12G

The FSA is bound to publish a waiver, unless it is inappropriate or unnecessary. If the FSA publishes a waiver, it will not publish details of why a waiver was required or any of the supporting information given in a waiver application.

CRED 14.7.13G

In deciding whether or not to publish, the FSA will take into account whether:

  1. (1)

    it will be prejudicial to the commercial interests of the credit union;

  2. (2)

    it relates to a minor matter that does not affect a third party and is unlikely to be of interest to other credit unions.

CRED 14.7.14G

If the FSA decides upon publication, it will give the credit union the opportunity of avoiding this by withdrawing its application.

Varying waivers

CRED 14.7.15G

If a credit union wishes the FSA to vary a waiver, it should follow the procedures in SUP 8.3.3 (summarised in CRED 14.7.6 G).

Revoking waivers

CRED 14.7.16G

The FSA may revoke a waiver if it is no longer appropriate. This may take effect immediately, if that is necessary to prevent undue risk to members.

CRED 14.7.17G

Where revocation is not immediate, the FSA will give written notice, with a reasonable period (usually 28 days) in which to make representations. After considering any representations the FSA will give written confirmation of its decision.

CRED 14.7.18G

Where the revocation is immediate, the FSA will also give the credit union the opportunity to make representations. After considering these, it will either confirm the revocation or seek the credit union's consent to a new waiver.

Decision making

CRED 14.7.19G

The waivers regime will be overseen by a staff committee of the FSA.